Benjamin Witt Key was born on December 9, 1926, in Columbus, Georgia. He was the son of Ben W. Key, Sr., and Mary Kate Clements Key. He later lived in Manchester, Georgia, where he established his family and business interests. Key died at his Manchester residence on February 13, 2010, and was buried at Woodbury City Cemetery.
Key studied at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, the institution now known as Auburn University. The available biographical record identifies him as a student there but does not establish a degree or field of study.
Key built a business career in Georgia as an owner and operator of several loan offices, furniture stores, and other small businesses. His activities extended across more than one type of enterprise, and he remained involved in business until retiring in 1975. His career was centered on ownership and management rather than a single long-term corporate position.
Methodist
Key expressed the view that salvation requires work and can be accomplished only through effort, connecting this belief with the message of the Gospel. He also held that, when peaceful alternatives had failed, force of arms might regrettably be preferable to unchecked aggression, tyranny, and genocide. He rejected offensive language concerning race, ethnicity, or nationality as contrary to the Christian teaching that every individual possesses value.
Quotations: "Salvation requires work. It can only be accomplished through effort, and this is what the Gospel is all about."
Key was an active member of Manchester First United Methodist Church. His Methodist affiliation was an established part of his community and religious life.
Key was married for 61 years to Rose Marie Roberts Key. They had four children: Michael P. Key, Daniel Key, Jeannie Marie Key, and Nancy Ann Lucas. The family lived in and around Manchester, Georgia, where Key was active in business and in the local Methodist church.
Wife of Benjamin Witt Key; they were married for 61 years.
Son of Benjamin Witt Key and Rose Marie Roberts Key.
Son of Benjamin Witt Key and Rose Marie Roberts Key.
Daughter of Benjamin Witt Key and Rose Marie Roberts Key.
Daughter of Benjamin Witt Key and Rose Marie Roberts Key.
